Author: MamatheFox

Hot Logic Mini Giveaway

Hot Logic Mini Giveaway

Giveaway

Read more about the Hot Logic here

celebrate-mom-2016-2

Mother’s Day is coming up and The Anti-June Cleaver and Our Piece of Earth have teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you some great prizes for a special woman in your life.

As always, once you have entered a giveaway visit the linky below for a chance to win even more great prizes.
Hot Logic Giveaway

Disclosure: The Anti-June Cleaver, Our Piece of Earth, and the rest of the bloggers participating in the Celebrate Mom giveaway hop are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Capresso Cafe Pro Review

Capresso Cafe PRO Review

review

Capresso is always on point with their products and technology. They are front runners in the demanding market of coffee makers and espresso machines. Found in coffee houses and average kitchens alike, Capresso makes the best machines for any coffee bean lover. Whether you have never touched an espresso machine before or worked at a coffee shop for years, you will be able to use and instantly fall in love with a Capresso product.

The Cafe PRO is the perfect machine for any mother this Mother’s Day. So often we give flowers and chocolates as a gift, but wouldn’t you like to make a more lasting impression on the Mother in your life? This year choose to get her a stunning Capresso Cafe PRO. The Cafe PRO makes both cappuccinos and espresso, giving her caffeine kick she craves. Don’t let another Mother’s Day go by without stepping out of the box and going beyond expectations. Make her heart melt (and beat a tad faster!) with the Cafe PRO.

How to Use a Cafe PRO

Espresso and cappuccino

The Cafe PRO may look intimidating but it can easily be mastered. You need to use caution and should read the owners manual in it’s entirety before using this magnificent machine. I will highlight some basics here, but please read that manual!

coffee in siveIt is best to grind your beans just before brewing, or as close to brewing as possible. When you grind use the espresso setting so that they are the correct texture. It should look like sugar granules when ground properly.

Capresso Cafe PRO
comes with a double spout portafilter and a bottomless portafilter. If you are a beginner and don’t know what those words mean, then you want to start with the double spout portafilter. Capresso Cafe PRO
features a state-of-the-art boiler to keep the water piping hot and ready for action on a moments notice. Due to this feature the cord on this machine is shorter than other electronics. This is because we do not want someone tripping over a boiling hot water holding device. Epic bad image. **shutters** The water is stored in a 42 oz removable water container. This makes filling it super easy.

Use the bottom end of the scoop that is included with the machine to press down on the grounds you put in the portafilter of your choice. This makes the grounds more compact and will brew more effectively and give you the bold flavor you desire. Then you need to attach it to the machine. This is a very easy set. Simply place the filter into the circular connector on the machine itself. The machine clearly reads ‘insert’ and ‘lock’. Have the handle on the left and rotate the handle toward the right until it hits the center of the machine. You can feel it lock into place. Once it is locked in place you can follow the instruction manual on how to brew a shot of espresso.how to place filter

I love the 15 bar pump feature – which allows you to get that super lovely top foamy goodness that is the iconic look of a classic cup of espresso. 15 bar simply put means it has a greater force of atmospheric pressure, which results in better pressure when the water is pressing the grinds – making you that silky cup of espresso. You can see below the beginning to end results of a simple shot of espresso. It comes out a light coffee color, but as it sets for a moment the separation occurs giving you a classic espresso.

espresso in cup

 

In order to make a cappuccino you only need to add frothy milk to your espresso. Using the Best Milk Frother ensures that the milk will be as frothy as can be which will make the coffee taste even better. The Cafe PRO comes with a frothing wand, milk frothedallowing you to make not only your espresso but a cappuccino as well. For a beginner making the froth is easy as making the espresso itself. Doing the fun cappuccino art you can find throughout Pinterest and at hip cafe spots it a real talent and takes loads of practice, as well as a gift for art in my opinion. To make the froth add cold milk to a cold metal pitcher. Click here to see more of these milk froth pitcher‘s. Add around 4 or more ounces of milk to the pitcher. On your machine you need to purge the frothing wand. This is basically a special word for saying clean out the old milk and air out of it. You let it run into the metal catch tray (or a thick towel) for 10 seconds. This steam is HOT and will burn you, I am not brave enough to use a towel and I choose to use the tray to catch the steam. Be sure to use care & safety when using the froth wand. After it is purged you place the tip 1/3 of an inch into the milk. Tilt the pitcher so that you have it at an angle up to 45 degrees. Turn on the froth wand and let it push the steam into the milk for 2-4 seconds to the top, then push the tip a little bit more into the milk to create a whirlpool effect. Let froth for around 10-12 seconds total. Any longer may scorch the milk. Once you take the wand out you will see some bubbles at the top. Tap the cup on your counter and softly twirl the cup so that the foam on top mixes with the milk. Then slowly pour the milk into your espresso. Voila! A homemade cappuccino.

If you enjoy the cups shown in this article you can see then for sale here – DeLonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses, Set of 2

Hot Logic Mini Review

Hot Logic Mini Review

Hot Logic Review

About Hot Logic Mini

No access to a microwave? Too busy at your desk? Kids running around you in circles? Working out at the gym all afternoon? In your call all day making sales calls or making deliveries? This is no longer an excuse as to why you are not eating hot, delicious meals. I am so excited to tell you about the coolest new product I know of, the Hot Logic Mini. Before become a blogger I was in sales. I worked from my car all day long. I had to resort to cold packed lunches (that were no longer cold on those horribly hot days) or fast food. My husband is still in sales and he is often in his car all day with little time to eat. Sometimes even going through a drive thru is too time consuming. We are so geeked about the Hot Logic Mini. This exciting new product is so amazing I cannot believe I have been going through life without it.

Use code MamatheFox for 20% off an order – click here

Cooks and Warms The Hot Logic Mini is a portable oven that not only warms up your food, but it can cook it too! This oven is dummy proof, you cannot burn your food! You simply place your glass dish in the Hot Logic Mini and plug it in. After 1 hour your food will be ready to eat at the perfect serving temperature. When cooking from raw form just plug in when you get the the office and my lunch time you will have a fresh cooked meal. You will instantly be the envy of the office. Whether fresh, frozen or raw the Hot Logic Mini will cook your meal all without the use of buttons and dials. These are perfect for college students who are burning the midnight oil while cramming for exams. The elderly who cannot stand in front of an oven or stove like they used to. The truck driver who needs to make that deadline/beat that storm. The busy mom who never has time to eat her own lunch with her kids because the macaroni starts to fly across the room before she gets to grab her ingredients. No matter who you are and what type of life you lead, you know that somehow the Hot Logic Mini can make you life, or someone you know, easier.

Follow Hot Logic Mini

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Mama’s Experience

busy moms lunch plug tucks away I love how easy the Hot Logic Mini is to use. You all you is place your food (raw, frozen or cooked) in a Pyrex container. Place the Pyrex container in your Hot Logic Mini and zip it up. Plug in the Hot Logic Mini and it will be ready when you are hungry. Typically it takes 1 hour to fully warm, but sometimes it can be faster. The most interesting part about the Hot Logic Mini is that it won’t overcook or burn your food. I can plug it in when I get up in the morning and by noon my lunch is not overcooked or burnt. This makes it great as I never have to watch over the cooking like I would with other products. Some sous vide machines for the home chef have this feature, however, they normally need constant watching over. deadlines to meet My husband works a high demanding job and often cannot get away from his desk. When he does the microwave may already be claimed by other workers. Being in sales, half the time he is in his car driving all over the place and if he had an accident I don’t know what I’d do. I hear that a lawyer could provide insight into what to do. My friend told me to check out www.attorneync.com/car-accidents-lawyer/what-to-do-after-an-accident/ for more. I just want my husband to be safe obviously. Driving can be dangerous, and I really don’t want him to end up in an accident. I’m tempted to get him to take a defensive driving course, just to be extra safe (you can read more about that here). Having said that though, his driving is fine, and since he hasn’t had an accident yet I’m sure he’ll be fine. He always seems to make it to an appointment on time and he always comes home after an appointment. When appointments run over and time is limited even a quick trip through a drive-thru is out of the question. Now he can easily and safely have a warm lunch without any stress. No more hangry afternoons due to lack of a meal. I made some Kale and Mushroom Lasagna (it was awesome), but like all lasagna’s there was a ton of leftovers. My husband plugged in the Hot Logic Mini that was packed with his leftovers about 45 minutes before he planned on eating lunch. When he had the time to eat he told me it was not only warmed throughout this thick delicious lasagna, but the noodles did not get dried out. I am sure that was due to my ample offering of homemade sauce it was cooked in. I have been told that noodles without sufficient sauce can dry out in a Hot Logic Mini if left in for a long amount of time, so please keep this in mind when warming pastas. Heat food on the go The next day I had left over Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas. I knew it was going to be a hectic day. I had to drop my daughter off at school then run a few errands with my 2 year old. Odd’s were he would get too hungry and I would end up going through a drive-thru for some nuggets for him. I have been trying so hard to eat low calorie foods and as organic as possible. That is pretty hard with a drive-thru menu offerings. plug tucks away Most recently I have tried to cook fresh, raw fish in my Hot Logic Mini. I placed my fish along with some veggies and spices in the Hot Logic. After about 3 hours it was fully cooked and ready to eat. Hot Logic Fish Before and AfterHot Logic Fish Before and After There are many reasons why microwaves are really not the best idea, in my non medical professional mind. When your food is wrapped in plastic and warmed in a microwave it can add carcinogens in the food! If that isn’t scary I don’t know what is… Avoid the risk and try a Hot Logic Mini today.

The salmon was super moist. No more worrying about dry or overcooked fish.
The salmon was super moist. No more worrying about dry or overcooked fish.

Click here to read more about the Hot Logic Mini and click Amazon link below to buy

Bamboo Moby Baby Wrap Giveaway

Bamboo Moby Baby Wrap Giveaway

Giveaway

Moby is a leader in the baby wearing community. With their soft and easy to use wraps they are many parents first experience with baby wearing. While the length of the wrap can be intimidating when first looked at, its really not that complicated. Check out the very easy tutorials on YouTube and you will be confident in a flash. To read more about the benefits of baby wearing (according to an occupational therapist) click here.

If you have not tried to baby wear yet and are intimated by trying alone MamatheFox would suggest reaching out to your local BWI (Baby Wearing International) group. Most major (and some smaller) cities have a group of baby wearing pros who meet up on a weekly or monthly basis. You can go and talk to real baby wearing parents and they can teach you in person how to properly wear your child. You can typically borrow carriers too before you buy, making the process fun and easy.

Click here to read more about the new Bamboo Moby Wrap

Newborn Hug Hold in a Bamboo Moby Wrap

Enter below for your chance at winning a Bamboo Moby Baby Carrier

Bamboo Moby Wrap

MamatheFox and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Mega Mothers Day Giveaway

Mega Mothers Day Giveaway

Mega Mothers Day Give

This Mother’s Day MamatheFox and Momjunky want to spoil a mom somewhere in the US. They have teamed up with some gracious sponsors and fabulous blogs to put on the biggest giveaway you can imagine. You can win over $1200 in prizes! All to one winner!

One person will win over $1200 in prizes

This event is co-hosted by: Momma Without a Clue, Opinions of One, Have Faith, Java Johnz, Here We Go Again…Ready?, Dreaming of Leaving, Non Perfect Parenting, & Centsable-Steals

Here are all the fabulous prizes

Mega Mothers Day Prize 1

MMG image 2

revised MMG image

 

MamatheFox, Monjunky and all participating blogs are not held responsible fore sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations. 

Curious George Hulu Giveaway

Hulu-KeyArt

We all love Hulu! It’s great for adults and kids and you can watch the best shows at any time of the day. This is why it is such a popular streaming service all over the world, from Hulu in Canada to Hulu in the UK. Now, your favorite monkey is swinging into your home. All 9 seasons of Curious George, as well as the animated film Curious George: Follow That Monkey, are now streaming only on Hulu. As with all Kids shows on Hulu in Australia, Curious George streams commercial-free.

CG-Still-3

Hulu is THE streaming destination for the best of TV, and a great selection of films! Plus, you can stream almost anywhere, on any device, including gaming consoles, set-top boxes, tablets, mobile phones, and more. The same goes for a lot of OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. Nevertheless, if the movie or series you want to watch isn’t available in your country, you can use the option to change country Amazon Prime, or any other online streaming platform for that matter. Hulu has some of the best shows for adults as well. It is one of the most affordable entertainment platforms that is being used by people around the world. However, if you are in Canada, it may be possible that you can’t watch Hulu in Canada. But, don’t worry, several VPNs can be taken advantage of to enjoy Hulu. Nothing should stop you or your kids from watching the favorite shows! All you have to do is launch the VPN, and then connect to a U.S server, and then sign in to Hulu. I recommend Curious George as your first show. So if you think your kid would be love Curious George, visit
Hulu.com <http://www.hulu.com/start?show=curious-george> to start a free 1-month trial.

Series Synopsis

Curious George is an animated series based on the popular books by Margret and H.A. Rey. Aimed at preschool viewers (ages three to five), the goal of the series is to inspire children to explore science, engineering, and math
in the world around them. And what better guide is there for this kind of exploration than the world’s most curious monkey?

CG-TshirtOne (1) winner receives:

* 3-month Hulu gift subscription

* Curious George Youth T-shirt

Prizing and samples are courtesy of Hulu.

Moby Bamboo Wrap Review

Moby Bamboo Wrap Review

Review

About Moby

Moby is a leading figure in the baby wearing community. They were my first wrap, (Other than the cat pouch hoodie I sometimes carry my kitty with), and will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned how to baby wear with a Moby (by watching YouTube videos at that time) and will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned how to baby wear with a Moby (by watching YouTube videos at that time). I have since held memberships with my local Baby Wearing International (BWI) group and used many types and brands of baby carriers. When a new mom wants to try to wear her baby with a wrap, I always suggest a Moby for her first wrap. This is because its safe, easy to use, affordable and comfortable. These are key words for any new mom. We are sleep deprived, hungry, exhausted and out head is spinning with questions and thoughts. I can assure you new mom, a Moby wrap is the way to go.

Moby has been around since 2003. They have been rocking the baby wearing community every since. They strive to empower parents. Making sure they are in with trends and child safety, they always have our best interest at heart.

Moby carries many types of wraps, but their newest wrap is the Bamboo. This is such an amazing wrap. Check out my full experience below.

Click here to buy the new Bamboo Moby Wrap

Follow Moby

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Mama’s Experience

I started off my baby wearing experience with a basic cotton/original Moby wrap. Having the experience of both that original wrap and now the Bamboo Moby wrap under my belt, I can safely give you a nice basic comparison.

Firstly, I want to mention a awesome improvement on this Bamboo Wrap – the middle marker. The middle marker is used when wrapping. This helps you gauge where you are due to the length of a wrap. Before, on the original Moby, the middle marker tag is a physical tag. Like what you would find on a shirt, a label if you will. It was attractive but sometimes would annoy the wearer or the child. A middle marker is super needed and shouldn’t be removed until you really know your carrier and know how to wrap. Now, the middle marker is screen printed on. This makes it smooth and flush against the wrap. No more irritation but still allows you to clearly find the center of the wrap.

middle marker tag

 

Below is an image on how the Newborn hug-hold style wrap looks. This baby is approximately 9 months old.

To learn how to do this style and more, click here

Newborn Hug Hold in a Bamboo Moby Wrap

Dad’s love to use the Moby. Its soft, easy to move around while wearing and allows them to have a special connection with their child

Men baby wearing

Benefits of the Bamboo Moby Wrap

 

  • The Bamboo Moby carrier is much lighter than the original cotton version. This makes it more of a “summer friendly” wrap. The material is very breathable and gives you more air flow – making it cooler to wear.
  • It’s very ‘silky’ due to the nature of viscose fiber material. This makes wrapping very smooth, allowing the panels to glide easily over your body and each cross fold.
  • This is not a ‘diggy’ wrap (digs into your shoulders), as some woven wraps can do. Often the breathable wraps don’t have much ‘give’. This wrap is really ideal.
  • Comes in: black, cloud, teal, charcoal, denim & blush
  • Screen printed middle marker – comfortable (no tag irritation) and easy to find

Terra Bella March Box Review

Terra Bella March Box Review

March Terra Bella Box

Terra Bella is by far one of the best subscription boxes on the market. They are ahead of the curve on what is new and hot. Always a step ahead, making you feel like you are keeping up with the Jones’. Each month in your Terra Bella box you receive a lovely sampling of cruelty free beauty products. Each month there are not only new brands but different types of products. I don’t get the same old ‘staples’ like other beauty boxes. The large variety of different  kinds products is is what makes Terra Bella really stand out. Products I would not buy for myself and wouldn’t even think to buy. Terra Bella keeps a hand on the heartbeat of beauty products, feeling the pulse of what is hot and what consumers are looking for.

I have been receiving boxes for 3 months now and I have not been disappointed yet. I love how there is always at least 1 time in each box with a product I have never heard of yet. This month is was a Carrot Tomato Alpha Hydroxy Face Cleanser. This is a face cleanser without soap in it! Yes, that is a thing (and yes it even removed my eye make-up!)

Occasionally throughout the year you may be looking to splurge and get yourself a treat, or needing a unique gift for a beauty product lover in your life. Terra Bella is going to be your safety net. You will not be disappointed in them. Whether you want to get a 1 time box or a subscription you can get your hands in the hottest beauty box on the market.

The newest feature for Terra Bella is their Bridesmaid Box. This is a special box that is hand designed while keeping bridesmaids in mind. Every bride gives a gift to her ladies. A necklace. Their shoes. A manicure. Boring! Why not spice things up and get them a gift they will use and remember forever. I love being remembered by the gifts I give. It gives me joy. Now you (or a bride you know) can give joy (and receive it back) with the gift of Terra Bella Bridesmaids boxes. Each box has a $65 value and comes with a card thanking the recipient for being in the bridal party. Click here to see more about these Bridesmaid boxes.

Follow Terra Bella

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Mama’s Experience

carrot tomatoLucasea Botanicals ~ Carrot Tomato Alpha Hydroxy Face Cleanser

I have never washed my face with anything but soap. I have heard of people trying different types of cleaners that are ‘soap-less’ but I never bit the bullet and tried it out for myself – until now! The fabulous part about Terra Bella is they include fun and different products, ones you may not think to try for yourself. Now that I have used this soapless cleanser I can see why people talk about it so much. It cleans my face, and even got my eye makeup off (almost all the way…like 80% off) without stripping my delicate facial skin of its natural oils. Our skin produces oils to protect us and keep us in prime condition. When we use harsh soaps with chemicals we extract those precious natural oils, which can have negative effects on our skin.

This face cleanser is to be applied on dry skin. I messed up the first time I used it and wet my face first. I can totally tell a difference in using it with water and without. They tell you not to use water to allow the awesome ingredients do their work on your skin. Its rich in vitamin C and protein rich, and you want that to soak right into your skin. I let it sit for around 1 minute before rinsing. Because I am not really used to the soapless cleaner game I have used it 2 times in a row a few times because I just didn’t think my skin was clean. I am a creature of habit. But, when I exited the shower and looked at myself in the mirror I could see I was clean.

Bella & Beau Botanicals ~ Bubble Bath in Fresh Spearmint LimeBubbles

I am a bath guru. Okay, maybe not like officially but I LOVE bath times. It’s my special leave-me-alone time. I soak in the tub with a glass of ice water and a good book and I am in heaven. Finding new bath times is one of my favorite things in the world. I have tried loads and loads of bubble baths. What makes this Bella & Beau is the scent combo. Spearmint and lime. I would never in a million years thought to combine those two scents. But they are AMAZING together. I read the label and was like….okay…hmm… Once it poured it in the hot water and started to smell the light and fresh scent I was in shock. What a special combo, each, fresh, light and exciting.

I have been using this bubble bath for a few weeks now and the smell is not tiring on me. I love it every time. I have even used it a few times in my kids baths. They love bubbles just as much as the next kid. What I love about putting this in bath is that it contains no chemicals. This product is all natural and contains essential oils. Those oils are what give this bubble bath its lasting and safe scent. Obviously, you can tell I love this product!

cuticule butterCricket Cove Soap Co ~ Cuticle Butter in Pink Grapefruit

Cuticle butter is one of those things women always seem to want. It is fun and makes your hands feel fancy. It can spice up an average day. When I worked in an office all day I would keep a cuticle butter at my desk. Every day when making phone calls I would apply the butter. This kind of routine keeps your nail beds healthy and your nails in prime condition. If you are wanting healthy looking and feeling nails, you need to use a good cuticle butter. After using this butter I can tell a positive impact on my nails. The smell is awesome, the texture is smooth and the container is easy to put in your pocket, purse, makeup bag or desk drawer.  This fun product comes in its own little carry bag, that makes it feel that much more fun.

Dermadeli ~ Pumpkin Seed Serumpumplin

Serum is not the first thing I think of when shopping for a new face product. My mom never used it and so I never learned about it. Most of what I know about beauty products came from my mom or other female relatives. They used creams, so I used creams. Now that I have tried this Dermadeli serum, man, I am making the switch. I love serums! At least this one. I thought my face would feel oily or that I would break out after using the serum, but I am willing to try things out fairly and give them a chance. I am so glad I stuck it out. When I first applied this serum I was amazed at how fast it soaked in my face. I did not ever feel greasy. When it first hit my skin, yes I thought it felt too oily, but then again it is a serum. But after rubbing it in it felt natural. I read up on this Pumpkin Seed Serum and saw that it’s packed with antioxidants and nutrients and can heal and nourishes the skin. What is great about this serum is that it can be used on not only your face but your whole body. It’s great on fresh shaved legs. Dry elbows, feet and hands. This serum is the signature product for Dermadeli, and I can totally see why.

lip balmMoody Sisters Natural Skincare ~ Berry Tinted Lip Balm

I am addicted to and dependant on lip balm. If you know me personally you know that is a fact. I used too much lip balm as a child and my lips lost the ability to naturally moisturize themselves. They became dependent on the constant application of lip balm and that natural born ability exited my body. Sad huh? Well its a thing you can look it up 😉 Now back to Moody Sisters. I have quite the expert when it comes to lip moisturizers. I have tried more lip products than you can shake a stick at. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I can say that I do like Moody Sisters Berry Tinted Lip Balm. It has a very light scent and flavor. You can tell it has a delicate nature to the stick. It was hand made and not packed with additives and preservatives. All those fillers make a lip balm feel either too processed or too over worked. When you put on this Berry Tinted Lip Balm you can feel the natural, fresh ingredients immediately.

This product is lightly tinted to add a small amount of color to your lips. Because of that tint I would not suggest heavy application or else you will have crazy looking lips LOL 🙂 I forgot once and my kids thought it was hilarious. Its light mind you, not a lip stick by nay measure, but its tinted non the less.

Click here to look more into Terra Bella Boxes

A Touch of Dazzle Giveaway (Rain Hop)

A Touch of Dazzle Giveaway (Rain Hop)

Giveaway Amazon $30

Read more about A Touch of Dazzle here

Welcome to the Rain Rain Go Away! Giveaway Hop

This is a blog giveaway and at the bottom of this page you will find a list (hyperlinks) of a bunch of other bloggers who are also hosting giveaways. Its a fun and easy way to ‘hop’ around entering more giveaways. Come back daily for you bonus daily entries to increase your odds.

Hosted by:  The Kids Did It &  The Mommy Island

rain hop - amazon
A Touch of Dazzle – Amazon


MamatheFox and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.